A transgender man who claimed he was put on “too much testosterone” has been jailed after for brutally attacking his ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend.
Jesse Hawthorne, 26, attacked his victim with a brick and a broken beer bottle after turning up drunk at his former partner’s house.
On Thursday, June 7, Cardiff Crown Court heard how Hawthorne – who was born Jessica – lashed out because he could not accept former girlfriend Emma Dickinson’s new relationship with army veteran Ashley Cook.
His defence barrister blamed an “inappropriate amount of testosterone at the time while he was transitioning” for causing the raging hormones.
He had walked past the home of Miss Dickinson, 32, when he saw love rival Mr Cook through her bedroom window.
Prosecutor Julian Greenwood said: “Hawthorne launched two cans of lager in the direction of the bedroom window which smashed the window.
“The objective was to provoke Mr Cook and indicate that he, Hawthorne, was present outside.
“Mr Cook opened the door and was assaulted by the delivery of a brick which made contact with his face.
“Hawthorne picked up a glass bottle that was shattered and assaulted Mr Cook during the course of a scuffle which went far beyond any suggestion of self-defence.”
Miss Dickinson rushed to her new boyfriend’s aid while he struggled with his attacker, and she managed to get her arm around Hawthorne’s neck and strangle him.
Mr Cook was left with blood running down his face, with a gash to his forearm, his forehead, and the back of his head.
He said in a victim impact statement he had left the armed forces seven years ago having served in Bosnia, and the attack had triggered his post traumatic disorder syndrome.
Hawthorne was arrested near the attack in Churchill Park, Caerphilly, on Boxing Day last year and later pleaded guilty to wounding with intent.
He appeared at Cardiff Crown Court via video link from female prison Eastwood Park in Gloucestershire, despite Hawthorne identifying and transitioning to a man.
Sarah Walters, defending, said Hawthorne had been on too much testosterone during the attack as part of his transition from being a woman.
She said: “He was on an inappropriate amount of testosterone at the time while he was transitioning.
“He accepts he went past the address of Miss Dickinson but not in terms of wanting to assault Mr Cook.
“Mr Cook was not anticipated to be there that night. His presence was completely unarranged.”
Miss Walters said Hawthorne’s issues with his biological gender had led to him abusing drink and drugs from a young age, and had stopped going to school because he was made to wear a girl’s uniform.
She said Hawthorne had been on remand at the female prison for around five months, which had “not been easy” for him due to his transition.
Her Honour Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke said Hawthorne had experienced “difficulties” relating to his gender, but said it could not excuse his “serious assault”.
The judge added: “I acknowledge the difficulties you’ve experienced in your life.
“But that cannot excuse your actions that night. This was a very serious assault.”
Hawthorne, from Caerphilly, was jailed for two years and five months.
He was also given restraining orders against Miss Dickinson and Mr Cook.
No, it wasn’t testosterone… he was drunk.
Couldn’t agree with you more this was all to do with drinking too much and not too much testosterone.
Army veteran??? He was awal more than he was in the army! Fairplay the papers will say anything! He just blames the army for all the horrible things he does in life! Uses it as an excuse coz he’s sick and twisted! I lived with ashley cook for 5 years and he is the most vile human being i have ever come across! He used to abuse me something cronic! Mentaly and physically! He beat his own brother to a pulp! And didnt go to jail??? Wheres the justice in that? i pressed charges against him as my son was in the house! He’s a shocking father! Have let his son down a millon times over drink and drugs to the point where theres no more contact! Ive had to have locks and cameras on my house because of his constant threats to come through my door! Hes gave his own mother a black eye!! The list goes on i could tell u stories that would make u sick about the army veteran! He also abuses drink and drugs! And to set the story straight he tormented jesse for years amd tge last straw was Sayin he would rape her!! Who says that like!? Think caerphilly observer want to get their facts right! Jesse done what any normal person wud after puttin up with all his abuse!! He should be locked up not jesse!
Wow what a story good luck to you Lucy and your son.
Its the truth! He doesnt deserve to be called an army veteran its an insult to the army! He is an absolute disgrace of a man! Just had to shed some light on the situation as it literally made my blood boil to hear such utter rubbish!
Lucy I really think you have had a narrow escape from this man.
It’s always the best people that have in justice’s.
What goes around comes around.